It is time to dispel all of the misconceptions and settle the great debate once and for all. John Starks never dunked on Michael Jordan. This has been a topic of conversation ever since the play took place during the 1993 NBA Playoffs. Anytime there is a mention of Michael Jordan or the topic of players being posterized is the focus of a conversation, you can almost always safely bet that there is one Knicks fan in the room that will reference "the dunk." Now, I remember this play as a child, sitting watching the game with my brother and father. I have also reviewed the archived footage several times. I am more than familiar with both the play and the circumstances surrounding it. So here's what happens: Starks brings the ball up the court, blows by the lackluster defense of B.J. Armstrong, drives baseline and dunks on Horace Grant (even this can be considered generous). Jordan, who is obstructed by Grant, jumps and extends his hand as if to swat the ball. However, realizing he will be unable to impede Starks' trajectory towards the rim due to the obstruction that is Grant's body, Jordan pulls back his hand, lands safely on the ground and goes on to beat the Knicks in not only this playoff series, but every single one he ever plays against them. So, there you have it folks, Starks never dunked on Jordan. This fallacy was conjured by New Yorkers who wanted Starks to be more than a one-time NBA All-Star who never won a championship and was ultimately mediocre at best. I have decided to post the video as proof of my conclusions. If you truly want to see someone getting dunked on, please reference the Kevin Johnson/Hakeem Olajuwon video (below the Starks video) or browse further down my blog and check McGrady/Okur.
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